S&S Quickee Pushrods are designed for Harley-Davidson engines, offering precise control over pushrod length and valve train stability. They enhance performance and simplify adjustments, ensuring optimal engine operation.
Overview of S&S Quickee Pushrods
S&S Quickee Pushrods are high-performance, adjustable pushrods designed for Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-8 and Twin Cam engines. They feature chrome or black pushrod tubes and are engineered to provide precise valve train control. These pushrods eliminate the need for disassembling rocker arms, simplifying installation. Quickee Pushrods are built with hydraulic lifters and travel limiters, ensuring smooth operation and reducing valve train noise. Their adjustable design allows for quick, accurate lash settings, making them a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking improved performance and reliability.
Importance of Proper Installation and Adjustment
Proper installation and adjustment of S&S Quickee Pushrods are critical for optimal engine performance and longevity. Incorrect installation can lead to valve train damage, noisy operation, or reduced efficiency. Ensuring pushrods are set to zero lash and have proper thread engagement prevents premature wear and maintains precise valve control. Adjustments must align with manufacturer guidelines, and allowing hydraulic lifters to bleed down before final tweaking is essential. Correct installation ensures smooth operation, maximizes power output, and avoids costly repairs.
Tools and Materials Needed for Installation
Essential tools include a bolt cutter, torque wrench, socket set, and hydraulic lift checker. Materials needed are new pushrod tubes, pushrod covers, and cleaning solvents.
Essential Tools for the Job
The installation of S&S Quickee Pushrods requires specific tools to ensure accuracy and safety. A bolt cutter is necessary for efficiently removing stock pushrods. Additionally, a torque wrench is essential for proper bolt and stud tightening. A socket set is needed for disassembling components like the rocker arm assembly. Other critical tools include a hydraulic lift checker to ensure lifter travel accuracy and a set of wrenches for adjusting pushrod length. These tools ensure a smooth and precise installation process, minimizing potential errors and ensuring optimal performance.
Recommended Materials and Supplies
For a successful installation, ensure you have S&S Quickee Pushrod tubes in Chrome or Black, compatible with your Harley-Davidson engine. S&S pushrod covers are required to maintain proper clearance and aesthetics. Hydraulic lifters with travel limiters and high-quality pushrod tube seals are also necessary. Additionally, use a solvent for cleaning components and a torque spec chart for accurate bolt tightening. These materials ensure a seamless installation and optimal performance of your S&S Quickee Pushrods, preventing potential issues and enhancing engine reliability.
Removing Stock Pushrods
Remove stock pushrods using a bolt cutter for efficiency. Ensure the motorcycle is on a hydraulic center stand with the rear wheel raised and spark plugs removed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Stock Pushrods
To remove stock pushrods, start by placing the motorcycle on a hydraulic center stand and raising the rear wheel off the ground. Remove the spark plugs to prevent engine rotation resistance. Use a bolt cutter to efficiently cut the stock pushrods, saving time during the process. Once cut, collapse the pushrod tubes and carefully pull out the stock pushrods from their respective positions. This method ensures safe and efficient removal, preparing the engine for the installation of S&S Quickee Pushrods.
Using a Bolt Cutter for Efficient Removal
Using a bolt cutter is a quick and effective method for removing stock pushrods. Place the motorcycle on a hydraulic center stand and remove the spark plugs to prevent engine rotation. Locate the stock pushrods and cut them near the engine case using a sharp bolt cutter. This allows easy removal without disassembling the rocker arm assembly. Wear safety goggles to protect against metal fragments. After cutting, collapse the pushrod tubes and pull out the remaining stock pushrod pieces. This method ensures efficient removal, making way for the S&S Quickee Pushrods installation.
Installing S&S Quickee Pushrods
Install S&S Quickee Pushrods by collapsing them fully and inserting through the pushrod tubes. Position them securely, ensuring proper alignment with the engine’s components for smooth operation.
Preparing the Engine for New Pushrods
Before installing S&S Quickee Pushrods, ensure the engine is properly prepared. Remove the rocker cover and disassemble the rocker arm assembly as per the service manual. Rotate the engine to top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke for each cylinder. Clean the pushrod tubes and surrounding areas with solvent to ensure a clean installation. If equipped with hydraulic lifters, allow sufficient time for them to bleed down (20-30 minutes) before proceeding. This step ensures proper clearance and prevents interference during installation.
Inserting and Positioning Quickee Pushrods
After preparing the engine, fully collapse the Quickee Pushrods and insert them through their respective pushrod tubes. Align each pushrod with the corresponding hydraulic lifter, ensuring proper orientation. Gently push the pushrod into place until it seats correctly. Use the adjuster to secure the pushrod, ensuring it is not over-tightened. Repeat for all cylinders, following the sequence outlined in the kit instructions. Proper positioning ensures smooth operation and prevents damage to engine components.
Adjusting the Pushrods
Adjust the pushrods to achieve zero lash by rotating the engine and setting the pushrod adjuster until slight resistance is felt, ensuring proper valve operation and minimizing wear.
Setting Pushrods to Zero Lash
Setting pushrods to zero lash ensures precise valve train operation. Rotate the engine to bring the cam lobe to its base circle for the tappet you’re adjusting. With the pushrod in position, slowly turn the adjuster until resistance is felt, indicating zero lash. Use a wrench to ensure proper adjustment and verify that the pushrod spins freely. This step is critical for maintaining proper valve clearance and preventing engine damage. Always refer to the service manual for specific torque specifications and adjustment procedures.
Ensuring Proper Thread Engagement
Proper thread engagement is vital for the stability and performance of S&S Quickee Pushrods. A minimum thread engagement of .500 is required between the pushrod tube and adjuster. This ensures a secure connection without over-tightening, which can damage threads. Avoid common mistakes like over-tightening, as it may lead to stripped threads. Use a wrench to ensure accurate adjustment. Proper engagement prevents engine damage and maintains optimal performance. Always follow the manufacturer’s specifications for torque and adjustment to achieve the correct thread engagement securely.
Tips for Maintenance and Performance
Regularly inspect pushrods for wear and damage. Lubricate threads and adjusters to ensure smooth operation. Check torque specifications and adjust as needed for optimal performance and longevity.
Best Practices for Longevity and Efficiency
For optimal performance and durability, regularly inspect pushrods for wear or damage. Clean and lubricate all threads and adjusters to maintain smooth operation. Always follow torque specifications when tightening components. Adjust pushrods to zero lash to prevent excessive clearance, which can lead to noise and wear. Allow hydraulic lifters to bleed down fully before final adjustments. Proper installation and periodic checks ensure efficient engine operation and extend the life of your S&S Quickee Pushrods.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When installing S&S Quickee Pushrods, avoid over-tightening adjusters, as this can damage threads or restrict proper movement; Never skip the step of rotating the engine to ensure accurate pushrod adjustment. Failing to allow hydraulic lifters to bleed down before final adjustments can lead to incorrect lash settings. Additionally, avoid using improper tools, as this may damage the pushrods or threads. Lastly, ensure all components are clean and properly lubricated before installation to prevent premature wear and ensure smooth operation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Identify issues like incorrect pushrod length or improper adjustment, which can cause valve train noise or poor engine performance. Adjust pushrods to zero lash and ensure proper thread engagement to resolve these problems effectively.
Identifying and Resolving Adjustment Problems
Common adjustment issues include improper pushrod length or over-tightening, leading to valve train noise or reduced performance. To resolve, rotate the engine to the base circle of the cam for the tappets being adjusted. Slowly turn the engine and adjust the pushrods to zero lash, ensuring smooth operation. Allow lifters to bleed down for 20-30 minutes before final adjustment. Verify thread engagement is at least 0.500″ to prevent loosening. Avoid over-tightening, as this can damage threads or restrict proper movement.
Addressing Pushrod Malfunction
If a pushrod malfunctions, inspect for bent or damaged components. Check for proper seating and alignment in the pushrod tube. If issues persist, remove the pushrod and ensure the adjuster and ball end are free from debris. Verify the pushrod spins freely and is not binding. If damaged, replace the pushrod with a new one, ensuring correct length and thread engagement. Properly torque all connections to avoid further issues. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for accurate diagnosis and repair.